the small giant

Grandpa and Grandma Snow have been here for a brief visit. Last night the boys got to hang out with them and John decided he should measure himself and see if he was as tall as they were. He wasn't totally getting the concept because, evidently, he insisted on standing on the couch while Grandpa and Grandma were standing on the floor. He thought it was pretty wild that he couldn't even reach Grandpa's head. (Grandpa is pretty tall.) My mom was relaying this story to me last night and John that he needed to make sure I completely understood just how tall Grandpa was.

John: "He's taller than a giant, mom!"
Then, after a few seconds, he felt the need to clarify. "Well, he's taller than a small giant"